With millions evacuated and nearly 370 dead, rescue and reconstruction efforts are proceeding smoothly in Gansu Province in the aftermath of the 8.0 magnitude earthquake in neighboring Sichuan.

The Chinese government and local authorities are working continuously to resettle survivors and reconstruct the shattered towns.

CRI Reporter Chen Xi has the details.

Reporter:

The harsh geographical conditions and hostile climate in Gansu have long restricted economic development in one of China's poorest provinces. Now, it is exacerbating rescue and resettlement difficulties in the disaster-stricken areas.

However, thanks to the unremitting efforts of the local authorities, survivors have had unbroken access to daily necessities in the month following the quake.

Feng Jianshen is the vice-governor of Gansu Province.

"We have launched epidemic prevention work. Medicines valued at millions of dollars have been distributed, and food and drinking water have been tested. Up till now, every person there has food, clean water and clothing. The wounded have received effective treatment and most survivors have resettled in prefabricated housing."

Feng Jianshen says with the devoted contributions of soldiers, volunteers and officials nationwide, transportation, communication, electricity and water were restored ten days after the disaster.

He adds that about 600 million US dollars' worth of funds and relief materials have been distributed in Longnan and Gannan, the two worst-hit regions in the province.

Vice-governor Feng Jianshen tells survivors to hang on until the rest of the aid arrives.

"Since the earthquake, the headquarters have deployed over 90,000 tents, particularly in Longnan and Gannan. But we still need more based on the actual data. We encourage people there to build temporary shelters. Over 110,000 tents are on the way to meet their demands."

Furthermore, the official says a high-level approval system has been set up to monitor and manage the distribution of relief funds and materials in Gansu Province.

In the meantime, Feng Jianshen has expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of international support, particularly from a medical team from neighboring Pakistan.

Chen Xi, CRI News.